He was chuckling.“Oh, that explains so much.How long have you had lightning?”
“Um...”She counted on her fingers.“Seven years.”
“So, when you and I met.”
“More or less.Yes.”
He pressed his head against hers.“I have thunder.”
Tosh smiled.“I have wind.”
Dex piped, “Everyone knows that.Worst kept secret at the ballet.”
Tosh ruffled her hair.“Funny lady.”
Etienne sat still with his arms on the chair.He spoke calmly.“Now, lean against me.”
“Why are we doing this?”
“Because my mother has reminded me that she is never wrong.”
She swallowed.“How is Estelle?”
He chuckled.“She’s well.”
“So, why are we doing this?”
“Building trust.”
“Why?”she whispered to her hands.
“Because I happen to be the man who wants to make sure you are safe.”
Tosh added.“He’s one of two.”
Etienne snorted.
Dex muttered, “Tosh, shouldn’t you be frolicking at practice?”
“The entire company is worried for you.I am the ambassador so that you can get back to normal and get healthy.I am also in charge of keeping an eye on you when you get back to the shop.”
Etienne slowly moved his arms to wrap loosely around her.“I am here to keep you safe, and I have already contacted the lawyer my father recommended to get to work on the power of attorney.”
“Oh.Right.I am just used to it by now.”
“What excuse did he give for getting the POA?”
“I kept having to go to the hospital.It was thought I was drug seeking, even if I was just getting wound care.I never took anything stronger than over-the-counter painkillers.So, I was put under the POA to keep me from spending money on drugs.So, he transferred the title of the house and drains my account regularly to keep me from doing anything...like getting away.”
“So, a forensic accountant is also needed.”He moved slowly and got his phone, typing with his thumb.He set his phone down.“There.That is beginning as well.”
She frowned.“So you are staking a claim?”
“Yes.”
Tosh agreed.“Yes.”
“Unexpected.”She bit her lip.
